Growing up, I always found myself drawn to 80’s movies. Names such as Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall have since found their way into my daily vocabulary, and I can often be found making references to John Hughes movies in almost any situation in which they apply. Now, at almost 21, I have seen too many of these movies to count, and I truly believe that the 1980’s are responsible for some of the greatest films of all time. Though the list of notable films is extensive, here are just seven movies that everyone should watch for the perfect 80's movie marathon:
1.The Breakfast Club
Arguably the most well-known 80’s classic, "The Breakfast Club" tells the story of five high school students in detention. Coming from many different walks of life, the brain, athlete, basket case, princess and criminal pour their hearts out to one another developing friendships they never imagined possible. In the span of one day, these students find that they are more than the stereotypical cliques into which they fall, and they learn that they have far more in common than they ever would have thought. This classic coming of age story is still relevant today, as we all struggle to find ourselves in a world fueled by societal stereotypes.
2. Pretty In Pink
"Pretty in Pink" is and always will be my favorite 80’s movie. How can anyone forget Duckie (Jon Cryer) performing Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness,” in one of the most iconic scenes of 1980’s cinema?
"Pretty in Pink" follows Andie Walsh, a working class high school senior who wants nothing more than to fall in love and be asked to the prom. When Blane McDonough, Andie’s classmate, makes a move, Andie must choose between the affections of her quirky best friend Duckie and her rich new love interest.
3. Sixteen Candles
Amidst chaos surrounding her older sister’s wedding, Samantha Baker’s family forgets about her 16th birthday. With her house inhabited by overbearing grandparents and crazy foreign exchange students, Sam thinks her special day couldn’t possibly get worse. That is until a nerdy freshman takes an obsessive interest in her at the school dance and gets in the way of Sam interacting with her one true love: Jake Ryan. This classic high school tale of unrequited love and family drama is one you can’t miss.
4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I’m sure everyone can recall a day when they faked being sick, or at least, exaggerated their condition to avoid going to school. However, most people’s stories end there. Ferris Bueller is not your average high school senior. On his 9th sick day of the year, Ferris orchestrates a ditch day to end all ditch days. With his best friend Cameron and girlfriend Sloane by his side, he spends the day exploring Chicago and getting into mischief of epic proportions. All the while, his principal Mr. Rooney is hot on his tail, hoping to finally bust Ferris and put an end to his devious antics.
5. Say Anything
Though "Say Anything" is one of my favorite movies, my friends never seemed to understand how truly wonderful it is. Most people can recognize this iconic picture of John Cusack wearing a trench coat and holding a boom box above his head. While this scene has been recreated in many modern TV shows and movies, very few know much else about the movie as a whole.
"Say Anything" tells the tale of the perpetual underachiever Lloyd Dobler and his love affair with the beautiful valedictorian Diane Court, his dream girl. Lloyd aspires to become a kickboxer while Diane has plans of attending college and pursuing a professional career. When life inevitably gets in the way of their relationship, Lloyd fights to keep their relationship strong.
6. Adventures in Babysitting
In this feel-good tale of danger and love, Chris Parker finds herself thrown into the adventure of a lifetime. The standards of babysitting are redefined as Chris and the kids venture into the city in an effort to save her runaway friend. The four are thrown into the middle of a very secretive car-jacking operation, sparking a chase through the city as they attempt to break free of the criminals on their tail.
7. Weird Science
What is a classic 80’s movie without Anthony Michael Hall’s admittedly bizarre antics? "Weird Science" is the height of Hall’s strange behavior, and the result is hilarious. Gary and Wyatt are outcasts at their school and constantly find themselves on the tail end of some very cruel jokes. When Wyatt’s parents go away for the weekend, it's business as usual, until Gary suggests that they try to create a virtual reality girlfriend. The two create the perfect formula for their dream girl, which sparks the miraculous creation of Lisa, a British beauty who is nothing but loyal to the boys. Lisa helps to elevate Gary and Wyatt’s social status; encouraging them to throw the party of a lifetime, and chaos ensues. Will Gary and Wyatt impress the loves of their lives? Will they pull off the party of the year before Wyatt’s parents get home?
Grab some popcorn, kick back with these 80's classics and "party on dudes."
